February/March 2019

The President reflects on the Class activities during winter, noting that the racing schedule is taking shape with many regatta opportunities. He discusses upcoming attendance at US Sailing's National Sailing Programs Symposium and thanks members for their support of the Class initiatives.

John Howell celebrates the successful matching fund campaign, which exceeded the $15,000 challenge from an anonymous donor with over $18,000 in donations. He acknowledges contributions from all regions, and thanks the dedicated volunteers who have supported the Class's growth and activities.

Hubbell reminisces about past road trips to Nationals in Montana and Washington, sharing memorable moments from travels with Thistle sailors. He expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming Sandpoint, Idaho Nationals and looks forward to similar adventures and camaraderie.

Announcement and promotional information for the 2019 Thistle Class Nationals to be held in Sandpoint, Idaho. Advises early reservation making as Sandpoint is a busy resort town in summer. Provides website information and planning resources.

Strategic plan document from the Executive Committee outlining the Class's vision and two major initiatives: Professional Marketing and Boat Supply. Details how the 2018 matching fund will be used, team formation process, and spending oversight policies.

Complete racing calendar for 2019 with dates, venues, contacts, and 2018 winners for all major Thistle regattas across the country including spring, summer, and fall events.

September 8-9 regatta at Rochester Canoe Club with challenging conditions featuring 10-12 knot baseline breeze and stronger puffs. Doug Kaukeinen won the event, with Dan Hesse in second and Aaron Holland in third. Details racing challenges and sailor experiences in windy conditions.

September 15-16 regatta at Otsego Sailing Club in Cooperstown, New York. 16 Thistles participated. Light and fluky wind conditions resulted in five races total. Tom Lawton won the event. Excellent food and camping facilities, including Mexican fiesta feast prepared by OSC volunteers.

September 22-23 regatta at Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club. Twenty teams participated in chilly temperatures and gusty winds. Brian Kitchin won with his wife Catia and Brent Barbehenn. Tight racing at all events, with top finishers changing positions throughout.

September 29-30 at Cedar Point Yacht Club. Fourteen boats competed. Scott and Lauren Meyer won their first regatta with Jenny Borschoff as crew. Wind conditions ranged from 5 knots to more challenging Saturday with oscillations favoring different boats.

October 6-7 at Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, Maryland. 27 boats participated. Steve Gruver won with Sarah Paisley and Sarah Bonner. Light breeze conditions, excellent oyster roast and appetizers, and vibrant boat show weekend atmosphere.

October 13-14 at Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. 26 boats competed. Aaron Holland won with Dana Hollenbeck and Bill Dexter. Confusing wind conditions and notable incident with drifting mark. Excellent hospitality and social atmosphere.

October 20-21 at Nyack Boat Club with 12 boats competing. Dan Hesse won. Racing on the Hudson River with 7-12 knot westerly creating puffy and shifty conditions. Discussion of mark position rules following a drifting mark incident, and breeze dying on Sunday.

October 27-28 at Red Dragon Canoe Club, the final ECFS event. Scott and Lauren Meyer won with Jenny Borschoff. Unique venue with river current challenges and memorable log-flume launching procedure. Costume party with Scooby Doo team winning.

Summary of the 2018 ECFS with participation statistics and overall standings. 79 skippers and 167 crew participated in 8 regattas. Dan Hesse was best skipper overall, Sarah Hesse best crew. Steve Gruver qualified as both skipper and crew, a first for the series.

November 3, 2018 at Lake Washington Sailing Club in West Sacramento, California. Seven Thistles competed. Mike Gillum won with tight competition from Sam Ingham. Light and shifting wind conditions from 3-8 mph.

Account of a unique wedding ceremony held on a Thistle sailboat at Mill Creek Lake in Natural Bridge State Park, Kentucky. Heather and Michael Best got married on September 20, 2014, with guests surrounding them in kayaks and canoes. Details the planning, boat decoration, and logistics.

Racing rules quiz featuring a question about mark-room and proper course at an offset mark. Based on Dave Perry's collection of 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes. Includes detailed answer explaining exoneration under rule 21.

Advertisements for Thistle boat covers and equipment. Rooke Sails offers acrylic Thistle covers in various styles with Sunbrella material. Jibmaster offers jibsheet cleat products in multiple models.

Report on the Class's fundraising success with allocation of funds. The matching gift of $15,000 was matched and exceeded, resulting in $21,776 total funds. Shows breakdown of fund allocation priorities.